Keypad with phosphor, keypad assembly and portable terminal

Abstract

A keypad having a phosphor is disclosed. The keypad includes a light guide panel, the interior of which ultraviolet light propagates through; and at least one key top disposed on top of the light guide panel including a phosphor to absorb the ultraviolet light passing out through the light guide panel and emit visible light.

1. A keypad comprising:
 a light guide panel, the interior of which ultraviolet light propagates through; 
 at least one key top disposed on an upper surface of the light guide panel to absorb the ultraviolet light passing out through the light guide panel and emit visible light; 
 at least one protrusion extending downwardly from a lower surface of the light guide panel; and 
 at least one reflective pattern formed on the guide panel to reflect a part of the ultraviolet light propagating inside the light guide panel towards the key top. 
 
     
     
       2. The keypad as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said key top is made from a phosphor material capable of absorbing ultraviolet light and emitting visible light. 
     
     
       3. The keypad as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said key top includes a phosphor material for absorbing ultraviolet light and emitting visible light. 
     
     
       4. The keypad as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said light guide panel is made from an elastomer material transparent to ultraviolet light. 
     
     
       5. The keypad as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein said light guide panel is made from polyurethane or silicone. 
     
     
       6. A keypad comprising:
 a light guide panel, the interior of which ultraviolet light propagates through; 
 at least one key top disposed on an upper surface of the light guide panel to absorb the ultraviolet light passing out through the light guide panel and emit visible light; 
 at least one protrusion extending downwardly from a lower surface of the light guide panel; and 
 at least one reflective pattern formed on the light guide panel to reflect a part of the ultraviolet light propagating inside the light guide panel towards the key top. 
 
     
     
       7. The keypad as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein said key top includes a phosphor material for absorbing ultraviolet light and emitting visible light. 
     
     
       8. The keypad as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein said phosphor material is deposited on an outer surface of the key top. 
     
     
       9. The keypad as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein said phosphor material is deposited on an upper surface of the key top. 
     
     
       10. The keypad as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein said phosphor material is formed in a shape of character, number, symbol or figure. 
     
     
       11. The keypad as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein said reflective pattern is formed on the lower surface of the light guide panel, and particularly on and around the protrusion. 
     
     
       12. The keypad as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein said light guide panel is made from an elastomer material transparent to ultraviolet light. 
     
     
       13. The keypad as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein said light guide panel is made from polyurethane or silicone. 
     
     
       14. A keypad assembly comprising:
 a keypad having a light guide panel, the interior of which ultraviolet light propagates through, at least one key top disposed on an upper surface of the light guide panel to absorb the ultraviolet light passing out through the light guide panel and emit visible light, at least one protrusion extending downwardly from a lower surface of the light guide panel, and at least one reflective pattern formed on the light guide panel to reflect a part of the ultraviolet light propagating inside the light guide panel towards the key top; 
 a light emitting device for coupling the ultraviolet light into the light guide panel; and 
 a switch board having at least one switch formed on its upper surface facing the keypad, wherein as said key top is pressed, a portion of the keypad deformed towards the switch board activates the switch. 
 
     
     
       15. The keypad assembly as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein said key top is made from a phosphor material capable of absorbing ultraviolet light and emitting visible light. 
     
     
       16. The keypad assembly as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein said key top includes a phosphor material for absorbing ultraviolet light and emitting visible light. 
     
     
       17. The keypad assembly as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein said phosphor material is deposited on an outer surface of the key top. 
     
     
       18. The keypad assembly as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein said phosphor material is deposited on an upper surface of the key top. 
     
     
       19. The keypad assembly as claimed in  claim 18 , wherein said phosphor material is formed in a shape of character, number, symbol or figure. 
     
     
       20. The keypad assembly as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein said light guide panel is made from an elastomer material transparent to ultraviolet light. 
     
     
       21. The keypad assembly as claimed in  claim 20 , wherein said light guide panel is made from polyurethane or silicone. 
     
     
       22. The keypad assembly as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein said reflective pattern is formed on the lower surface of the light guide panel, and particularly on and around the protrusion.